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http://www.salon.com/5things/2009/07/02/investigators_sanfor
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Jul. 02, 2009 | COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Republican Gov. Mark Sanford didn't misuse public money for trips to visit his Argentine mistress, state investigators concluded after a review of executive travel records.
State Law Enforcement Division chief Reggie Lloyd said investigators reviewed records of two trips to Argentina and three to New York City in which Mr. Sanford acknowledged meeting Maria Belen Chapur. Mr. Sanford, who is fighting to hold onto his job, has already reimbursed the state $3,300 for lodging, meals and airfare for a trip to Buenos Aires in June 2008. Mr. Sanford saw Ms. Belen Chapur during that visit to that city, which he requested be added onto a trade mission.
Mr. Lloyd said his investigation showed that the trips, including the 2008 Buenos Aires leg, were for legitimate state business or paid for on Mr. Sanford's personal credit card. State officials, including the governor, are entitled to free time even on state-sponsored trips, Mr. Lloyd said. "What they do at night is their business as long as it's not illegal," he said.
